Patent Application
20180147595
The present invention generally is in the field of devices for generating waterfalls, and more particularly is in the field of devices for generating aesthetically pleasing lighted waterfalls in spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like.
Few applications derive more benefit from the addition of waterfalls or fountains than artificial bodies of water such as spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like. The popularity of waterfalls and fountains in such structures is probably associated with the numerous aesthetic and practical applications that make waterfalls desirable. More specifically, the addition of a waterfall or fountain to an artificial body of water can provide a substantial decorative effect or can provide a relaxing background sound, generated from the water flow. As such, users and owners of artificial bodies of water often desire the addition of waterfalls or fountains.
Many existing waterfall apparatuses also include some type of lighting feature to add to the aesthetics of the device. In some existing waterfall apparatuses, the lighting feature is located near either the device or where water emanating from the device impacts the water in the artificial body of water. In such locations, the water itself often is not completely or sufficiently lighted. In other existing waterfall apparatuses, the lighting feature is located within the device so as to shine into the water as it emanates from the device. In such locations, the water can be more completely or more sufficiently lighted, but also often not completely or sufficiently lighted.
Moreover, in other existing waterfall apparatus, the light from an internal lighting feature is primarily guided by solid wave guides such as transparent and/or internally refractive solid materials. In such locations, although the water can be completely or sufficiently lighted, the entire device often is difficult to manufacture and assemble, more expensive in time and capital, and difficult to repair or customize at the point of installation. Also, in such devices, it can be difficult to replace malfunctioning lights, as the device typically is permanently embedded within a wall proximal to the artificial body of water.
Accordingly, there is a need for a lighted waterfall apparatus that allows for the addition of a lighted waterfall to an artificial body of water, such as a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like with a minimum of manufacturing and installation costs. There also is a need for such a lighted waterfall apparatus that provides satisfactory lighting to the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus. There is also a need for such a lighted waterfall apparatus to be able to be permanently integrated into a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like yet still allow for the simple and inexpensive replacement of the light generating components. There also is a further need for such a lighted waterfall apparatus that is easy to make, maintain, and customize without need of special skills, special materials, and special tools. It is to these needs and others that the present invention is directed.
Briefly described, the present invention is a low profile, customizable, lighted waterfall apparatus that produces a waterfall into a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like, and that incorporates a removable and replaceable lighting unit so that, for example, the lighted waterfall apparatus can be permanently and discreetly mounted yet allow the simple replacement of the lighting unit. The present invention further comprises a front or waterfall producing end that can be customized to the shape of the wall into which the waterfall apparatus is mounted. Additionally, the present invention is a lighted waterfall apparatus that produces a lighted waterfall into a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like, that provides satisfactory lighting to the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus. In some embodiments of the invention, the lighting unit can be mounted proximal to where water emanates, namely mounted at the front facing side of the waterfall apparatus, without affecting the satisfactory lighting or ease-of-repair. In other embodiments of the invention, the lighting unit can be mounted distal to where water emanates, namely mounted at the rear side of the waterfall apparatus, without affecting the satisfactory lighting or ease-of-repair. In still other embodiments of the invention, the lighting unit and components are accessible and/or replaceable from the front (spa) side of the unit.
More specifically described, in a first exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a structure and means for maintaining the lighting unit of a lighted waterfall apparatus by allowing the easy and quick removal of the lighting unit from waterfall apparatus without removing the lighted waterfall apparatus from the spa wall or having to access behind the spa wall. For simplicity, spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like, and all such reservoirs and artificial bodies of water, together or separately will be referred to as spas or a spa.
A representative waterfall apparatus of the first exemplary embodiment is to provide for the addition of an aesthetically pleasing and decorative waterfall that flows into a spa. In the waterfall apparatus, water from a water source flows into the interior hollow or manifold of the waterfall apparatus and is discharged through a waterfall slot/primary outlet into the spa. A means for lighting the waterfall, and more particularly for lighting the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus, is contained within the waterfall apparatus proximal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet. Additionally, a means for accessing the means for lighting the waterfall is located at, on, or proximal to the front of the waterfall structure, preferably proximal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet, so as to allow easier access to the means for lighting. The means for accessing the means for lighting the waterfall can be a door or other covering to a chamber in which the means for lighting is retained. The chamber can have a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider between the chamber and the waterfall slot/primary opening so as to allow the means for lighting to light the water emanating from the waterfall slot/primary opening yet be separated from the water in a “dry” zone.
The waterfall apparatus can be placed above the surface of the water in the spa on or proximal to the edge, preferably the upper edge, of the spa wall or within the spa wall above the water level of the spa so that the waterfall can be a smooth flow of falling water extending from the waterfall apparatus to the surface of the water in the spa.
A representative waterfall apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention generally comprises an inlet, a primary outlet or waterfall slot, an interior manifold for holding and spreading water along the outlet, optional baffles to remove turbulence and debris from the water, a primary outlet for creating the waterfall, a chamber for the means for lighting the waterfall, and an access port to the chamber. When the waterfall apparatus is installed in the spa, the representative waterfall apparatus can appear as a generally continuous shaped structure with the waterfall slot/primary outlet in the center of the waterfall waterjet such that water emanates from the waterfall into the spa. When the means for lighting is on, light is directed to and lights the water emanating from the waterfall slot/primary outlet.
In one sub-embodiment of the first embodiment, the representative waterfall apparatus comprises a structure or set of structures for creating the waterfall and a chamber for the means for lighting, separated by a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider so as to allow the chamber and the means for lighting to light to remain in a “dry” zone. In another sub-embodiment, the representative waterfall apparatus comprises a structure or set of structures for creating the waterfall and a chamber for the means for lighting with no divider so as to allow the water and the means for lighting to be in direct contact. The chamber has an access port accessible from the front, or spa side, of the waterfall apparatus to allow access to the means for lighting so as to allow removal and/or replacement of the means for lighting without having to otherwise remove or deal with the main structure of the waterfall apparatus.
In another sub-embodiment of the first embodiment, the means for lighting is a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the chamber is an elongated manifold lying proximal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet. In another sub-embodiment, the waterfall slot/primary outlet is an elongated horizontal opening and the chamber is an elongated horizontal manifold located above, behind, or below the waterfall slot/primary outlet. In another sub-embodiment, the waterfall slot/primary outlet is an elongated horizontal opening and the chamber is an elongated horizontal manifold located below the waterfall slot/primary outlet and separated from the waterfall slot/primary outlet by a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider.
In use, the means for lighting can be inserted into and removed from the chamber via the access port on the front (spa) side of the apparatus. In this manner, if the means for lighting fails, the means for lighting can be easily replaced without disassembling the waterfall apparatus or the spa. Additionally, if a user decides to change the color of the means for lighting, a means for lighting of one color can be easily replaced with a means for lighting of another color without disassembling the waterfall apparatus or the spa.
The waterfall apparatus can be anchored to or contained within the wall or edge of a spa using any appropriate means as long as water can be fed into, and water can flow out of, the waterfall apparatus. In one embodiment, the waterfall apparatus may be contained within the spa wall, such as for example within a stone, brick, concrete, or other masonry spa wall. In this embodiment, the primary outlet would face the interior of the spa (the “wet” side) and the water inlet could face in a generally opposite direction towards the mechanical components of the spa (the “dry” side). This can be considered a more permanent installation of the waterfall apparatus. In another embodiment, the waterfall apparatus may be structured to have securing ends for securing the waterfall apparatus to the spa wall. In this embodiment, the waterfall apparatus can be installed with a minimum of disturbance to the surrounding spa. This can be considered a less permanent installation of the waterfall apparatus.
The waterfall apparatus can be used on almost any artificial water body. While the waterfall apparatus is described in connection with a spa, it is understood that the waterfall apparatus can be used on spas, swimming pools, tubs, and the like. For example, the waterfall apparatus can be placed on or proximal to the edge of a swimming pool so to provide a waterfall. One of ordinary skill in the art can modify the waterfall apparatus without undue experimentation so that it can be placed on almost any artificial water body.
In a second exemplary embodiment, with generally the same function as the first exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a structure and means for positioning the lighting unit, and any chamber in which it is retained, away from the front of the waterfall structure, that is, distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet, without affecting the satisfactory lighting or the ease-of-repair. A representative waterfall apparatus of the second exemplary embodiment comprises a means for lighting the waterfall, and more particularly for lighting the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus, that is contained within the waterfall apparatus but distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet, namely at the back of the apparatus. The means for lighting is substantially laterally displaced from the waterfall slot/primary outlet. A means for accessing the means for lighting the waterfall remains located at, on, or proximal to the front of the waterfall structure, so as to allow easier access to the means for lighting, despite its distal/rearward positioning, opposite the waterfall slot/primary outlet, in this exemplary embodiment.
Moreover, the means for accessing the means for lighting the waterfall also is a door or other covering to the chamber in which the means for lighting is retained. The chamber, also distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet, can have a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider between the chamber and the water carrying passage towards the waterfall slot/primary opening. In this way, the means for lighting remains positioned to shine light towards the waterfall slot/primary opening in a way that sufficiently and adequately lights the water passing through the water carrying passage and emanating from the waterfall slot/primary opening, and allows for a lower profile visible portion of the waterfall slot/primary opening.
A representative waterfall apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention generally comprises an inlet, a primary outlet or waterfall slot for creating the waterfall, an interior manifold for directing flowing water along the entire device, a spreading manifold or passage for spreading the flowing water as the water is flowing in a direction towards the primary outlet/waterfall slot, optional baffles to remove turbulence and debris from the water, a chamber for the means for lighting the waterfall, and an access port to the chamber. As the primary outlet/waterfall slot, the spreading manifold or passage, the means for lighting, and the chamber are substantially aligned on the same plane and as the means for lighting is oriented to direct light parallel to and in the direction of the passage towards the waterfall slot/primary opening, when the means for lighting is on, light is directed into the parallel streams of water and, therefore, into the water emanating from the waterfall slot/primary outlet.
Furthermore, as the means for lighting the waterfall is distal to and laterally displaced from the spreading manifold or passage and the waterfall slot/primary outlet, namely in a rearward position, when the waterfall apparatus is installed in the spa, the representative waterfall apparatus can appear to have an even thinner top to bottom or vertical profile and be more discreet. More specifically, in this second embodiment, there is no lighting chamber located below the waterfall outlet. Moreover, as the representative waterfall apparatus does not primarily rely on solid wave guide materials in the casing or built-in, instead primarily relying on the light being directed along the flow path of the water forming the waterfall, when the waterfall apparatus is being manufactured, assembled, machined, and/or customized at the point of installation, the representative waterfall apparatus benefits from being easy to make, maintain, and customize without need of special skills, special materials, special tools, etc.
In one sub-embodiment of the second embodiment, the representative waterfall apparatus comprises a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider so as to allow the chamber and the means for lighting to light to remain in a “dry” zone. In another sub-embodiment, the representative waterfall apparatus comprises no divider so as to allow the stream of water and the means for lighting to be in more direct proximity/contact. In yet another sub-embodiment, the spreading manifold or passage comprises a structure or set of structures for creating turbulence in the stream of water flowing through the spreading manifold or passage thereby assisting in the spreading of the stream of water to a width corresponding to the waterfall slot/primary outlet. The chamber has an access port accessible from the front, or spa side, of the waterfall apparatus to allow access to the means for lighting so as to allow installation, removal, and/or replacement of the means for lighting without having to otherwise remove or deal with the main structure of the waterfall apparatus.
In another sub-embodiment of the second embodiment, the waterfall slot/primary outlet is a low profile, elongated horizontal opening and the chamber is an elongated, horizontal manifold running parallel to the horizontal opening and located distal to and laterally displaced from the waterfall slot/primary outlet. As the access chamber for the means for lighting and the manifold are an elongated structure, both the front end of the access chamber and the front end of the manifold, namely the ends proximal to the waterfall outlet, are free from operative parts and can be cut and shaped so as to correspond to the shape of the wall in which the waterfall apparatus is installed, or any other desired shaped extending outward from the wall in which the waterfall apparatus is installed, so as to provide for a more customized or aesthetic installation. In another sub-embodiment, the chamber is an elongated horizontal manifold separated from the spreading manifold or passage by a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider. The remainder of the chamber (the remaining sides) can be generally opaque and/or reflective to direct as much light out of the divider and parallel to and in the direction of the passage towards the waterfall slot/primary opening.
In a third exemplary embodiment, with generally the same function as the second exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a structure and means for quickly installing and replacing the lighting unit in the chamber in which it is retained. A representative waterfall apparatus of the third exemplary embodiment comprises a chamber for the lighting unit positioned distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet. Like the second exemplary embodiment, the lighting unit is substantially laterally displaced from the waterfall slot/primary outlet and illuminates the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus by shining along the flow path of the water forming the waterfall. Moreover, the means for accessing the lighting unit/the chamber remains located at, on, or proximal to the front of the waterfall structure; however, the entire structure and configuration of the means for accessing facilitates an inventive process/method of installing or replacing the lighting unit of the low profile, customizable, lighted waterfall apparatus of the present invention.
Another representative waterfall apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention generally provides a structure and means for quickly installing and replacing a removable and replaceable lighting unit in the rearward chamber. The lighted waterfall device has at least one specialized port. In a one-port embodiment, the port is situated laterally on one side of the waterfall device. In a two-port embodiment, is the ports are situated laterally on both sides of the lighted waterfall device. Each port has a port door as a means for accessing the lighting unit and electrical supply components and as a structure upon which the lighting unit or any other internal components can be engaged/retained for easy access. For example, the ports allow access to the lighting chamber and, via connecting pathways, form a generally U-shaped pathway from one port through the lighting chamber to the other port. Thus, both ports cooperate with the lighting chamber and allow access to the lighting chamber.
In one sub-embodiment of the third embodiment, the representative lighted waterfall device also has a power cord length management system comprising a retractable and extendable power cord, a power cord bundle/spool, a constriction component, a power cord collar, and a device/unit connector component. The entire port is structured and configured to retain and channel the power cord such that the power cord length management system may facilitate extension or retraction of the power cord out of the interior of the port. The power cord length management system also helps ensure that the unit connector end of the power cord remains within or proximate to the port and available for engagement with any other internal component. Thus, the power cord management system also is accessible through the front ports.
In another sub-embodiment of the third embodiment, the representative lighted waterfall device also has a pull-through system configured to extend through the specialized port and into or through the lighting chamber to facilitate insertion/repair/replacement of the lighting unit. If two ports are present, the pull-through system preferably extends from one port to the other port through the lighting chamber. The pull-through system may be engaged to the port cover or covers for easy retrieval and access.
In a fourth exemplary embodiment, with generally the same function as the third exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides another structure and means for quickly installing and replacing a removable and replaceable lighting unit situated in a rearward chamber. The lighted waterfall device has a specialized port with half on the left lateral side and half on the right lateral side allowing access to the rearward chamber and, via connecting pathways, forming a generally U-shaped pathway. Each lateral side of the specialized port each, respectively, comprises a port insertion structure capped on one end by an exemplary embodiment of a port door. The port insertion structures are each respectively configured as a means for accessing the lighting unit and electrical supply components and as a structure upon which the lighting unit or any other internal components can be engaged/retained for channeling into the port halves and for easy access.
In one sub-embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the representative lighted waterfall device has two matching port insertion structures complementary of the lateral port halves, which also are matching. The port insertion structures are configured to enter the port halves and engage snuggly therein so as to cap the port half. The port doors cap the end of the port half when the port insertion structures are engaged within their respective port halves. The end of the port insertion structure opposite the port door end is configured to retain and channel a power cord, and/or a portion of a lighting unit, within a port half, as the respective port insertion structure is inserted or removed from the interior of a respective port half. In this way, the port insertion structures help ensure that a unit connector end of a power cord remains within or proximate to the port halves and available for engagement with the lighting unit.
In another sub-embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the end of the port insertion structure opposite the port door end is configured to retain and channel a portion of a pull-through guide wire, within a port half, as the respective port insertion structure is inserted or removed from the interior of a respective port half. One end of the guide wire may be detachably engaged to one port insertion structure and the opposite end may be detachably engaged to the lighting unit (to help pull the lighting strip through the opposite port half into place within the rearward chamber) and/or the opposite port insertion structure (to remain easily retrievable and accessible when not attached to the lighting unit). In this way, the port insertion structures help ensure that a portion of the guide wire remains within or proximate to the port halves and available for engagement.
These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views.
Illustrative embodiments of a first exemplary embodiment of a lighted waterfall 10 according to the present invention are shown in
The lighted waterfall device produces a waterfall into a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like, together referred to herein as a spa S, and that incorporates a first exemplary embodiment of a removable and replaceable lighting unit 26 comprising LED strip 20 and connector 22 so that, for example, the lighted waterfall device 10 can be permanently mounted yet allow the simple replacement of the lighting unit 26. Additionally, the lighted waterfall device 10 produces a lighted waterfall 12 into the spa S that provides satisfactory lighting to the water emanating from the lighted waterfall device 10. In illustrative embodiments, the lighted waterfall device 10 comprises a structure and means for maintaining the lighting unit 26 by allowing the easy and quick removal of the lighting unit 26 from the lighted waterfall device 10, and therefore from the spa S, without removing the lighted waterfall device 10 from the wall W or having to access behind the wall W.
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A spreading area 36 can be located between and fluidly connect manifold 30 and chamber 32. Spreading area 36 can serve at least two purposes. First, spreading area 36 can allow water flowing from manifold 30 to chamber 32 to spread evenly across spreading area 36 prior to emanating from waterfall slot 24 so as to produce a more even waterfall 12. Second, spreading area 36 can provide a connection through spa wall W such that the manifold section 52 portion of the lighted waterfall device 10 can be located on one side (the “dry side”) of the spa wall W and accessible from the outside of the spa S, while the waterfall slot 24 can be located on another side (the “wet side”) of the spa wall W and accessible from the inside of the spa S.
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Preferably, chamber 32 is segregated from the remainder of the interior of the lighted waterfall device 10 such that the interior of chamber 32 remains dry. Although this is not a requirement as there are waterproof LED strips 20 and waterproof connectors 22, it is more convenient as both waterproof and non-waterproof LED strips 20 and connectors 22 can be used.
Thus, a representative lighted waterfall device 10 of the present invention generally comprises an inlet 28, a primary outlet or waterfall slot 24, an interior manifold 30 for holding and spreading water along the waterfall slot 24, a chamber 32 for the means for lighting 18 the waterfall 12, and an access port 14 to the chamber 32. When the lighted waterfall device 10 is installed in the spa S, the lighted waterfall device 10 can appear as a generally continuous shaped structure with the waterfall slot 24 generally in the center of the lighted waterfall device 10 such that water emanates from the lighted waterfall device 10 into the spa S. When the means for lighting 18 is on, light is directed to and lights the waterfall 12 emanating from the waterfall slot 24.
Lighted waterfall device 10 provides an aesthetically pleasant waterfall 12 into spa S. As lighted waterfall device 10 preferably is located above the water surface of spa S on, for example, wall W of spa S, waterfall 12 can provide a smooth flow of falling water extending from lighted waterfall device 10 to the water surface of spa S. For aesthetic reasons waterfall 12 can be substantially smooth over its width and over its length as it flows into the water of spa S. More particularly, waterfall 12 from lighted waterfall device 10 preferably is free of bubbles and ripples and flows as a generally continuous sheet of water. The preferred structure of the lighted waterfall device 10 helps accomplish this by having a manifold 30 and a rear wall 48 interrupting passage 42, both of serve to even the flow of water through and over waterfall slot 24.
The lighted waterfall device 10 can be anchored to or contained within the wall W or edge of a spa S using any appropriate means as long as water is fed into, and water can flow out of, the lighted waterfall device. In one embodiment, the waterfall apparatus may be contained within the spa wall W, such as within a concrete or stone spa wall W. In this embodiment, the waterfall sot 24 would face the interior of the spa (the “wet side”) and the inlet 28 could face in a generally opposite direction towards the mechanical components of the spa (the “dry side”). This can be considered a more permanent installation of the lighted waterfall device 10. In another embodiment, the lighted waterfall device 10 may be structured to have securing ends for securing the lighted waterfall device to the spa wall W. In this embodiment, the lighted waterfall device 10 can be installed with a minimum of disturbance to the surrounding spa S. This can be considered a less permanent installation of the lighted waterfall device 10. In any type of installation, it is preferable to have the port 14 facing into the spa S, or at least accessible from the spa S, so as to take advantage of the port 14 and the simple and convenient insertion and removal of the means for lighting 18.
The lighted waterfall device 10 can be used on almost any artificial water body. While the lighted waterfall device 10 is described in connection with a spa S, it is understood that the lighted waterfall device 10 can be used on spas, swimming pools, tubs, and the like. For example, the lighted waterfall device 10 can be placed on or proximal to the edge of a swimming pool so to provide a waterfall 12. One of ordinary skill in the art can modify the lighted waterfall device 10 without undue experimentation so that it can be placed on almost any artificial water body.
As prior art waterfall apparatuses typically are unitary devices with the individual parts having been glued, welded, or otherwise adhered together, access to the interior of such prior art waterfall apparatuses often is impossible or at least very difficult. Therefore, the removable port cover 16 and the convenient placement of port 14 in an easy to reach location on the front of the lighted waterfall device 10 of the present invention allows for access to, insertion of, removal of, and replacement of the means for lighting 18, such as LED strip 20, that otherwise may not be possible in prior art waterfall apparatuses. For example, the means for lighting in prior art waterfall apparatuses may be permanently anchored in such devices, and inaccessible to a user. If the means for lighting in prior art waterfall apparatuses fail, or a user desires to change the means for lighting in prior art waterfall apparatuses, it may be impossible to remove or replace the means for lighting without significant deconstruction or destruction of the prior art waterfall apparatus or the spa.
In use, the means for lighting 18 can be inserted into and removed from the chamber 32 via the port 14. Specifically, a user can remove the port cover 16 to access the port 14. The means for lighting 18 is readily accessible through the port 14, and the user can grasp the mean for lighting 18, pull the means for lighting 18 out of the chamber 32, and disconnect the means for lighting via connector 20. The user then can insert a new or different means for lighting in the chamber 32 via the port 14, connect the connector 20, and close the port 14 using the port cover 16. In this manner, if the means for lighting 18 fails, the means for lighting 18 can be easily replaced without disassembling the lighted waterfall device 10, the spa S, or the spa wall W. Additionally, if a user decides to change the color of the means for lighting 18, a means for lighting 18 of one color can be easily replaced with a means for lighting 18 of another color without disassembling the lighted waterfall device 10, the spa S or the spa wall W. LED strips 20 of various lengths can be inserted into the chamber 32, irrespective of the length of the chamber 32. For example, if a user desires to illuminate only a portion of a waterfall 12, the user can insert a LED strip 20 of a length shorter than the chamber 32, and thus shorter than the waterfall slot 24.
The shape of waterfall 12 can be modified by the configuration of waterfall slot 24. For example, if waterfall slot 24 is a regular uninterrupted slit, a relatively smooth waterfall 12 over its length and width can be generated. Alternatively, if divisions or interruptions are introduced into the waterfall slot 24, or waterfall slot 24 has a non-linear shape, waterfall 12 can have a sprinkler type shape or a scalloped shape, which is not a smooth shaped waterfall. One of ordinary skill in the art can modify waterfall slot 24 so that lighted waterfall device 10 will produce a waterfall 12 of a desired shape. The shape of chamber 32 preferably is structured to parallel or mirror the shape of the waterfall slot 24 to provide a satisfactory amount of illumination to the waterfall 12.
With regard to allowing the light from the means for lighting 18 to act upon the water and the waterfall 12, as disclosed herein, at least top wall 46 and/or front wall 44, or any other wall between means for lighting 18 and water flowing through waterfall slot 24 or waterfall 12, preferably is transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or conducts light in some manner to water flowing through waterfall slot 24 or waterfall 12.
As aesthetic alternatives, chamber 32 can be structured to hold at least two means for lighting 18, such as at least two LED strips 20 to generate an illuminated waterfall 12 of more than one color or more than one pattern of light. For example, a first LED strip can produce a steady light or a light of a first color, while a second LED strip 20 can produce a blinking or pulsing light or a light of a second color. Alternatively or in addition, at least some of the internal surfaces of chamber 32 can be coated with a reflective material to increase the amount of light directed to waterfall 20.
Lighted waterfall device 10 can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials. For example, lighted waterfall device 10 can be formed of plastics, metal, or other materials. Preferably, lighted waterfall device 10 can be formed from molded or forged parts made from a plastic material as such material will not rust from the exposure to water, particularly chlorinated water. Such plastics, metals, and other materials are known in the art. Alternatively, for more elegant or expensive installations, at least portions of lighted waterfall device 10 can be made of more elegant or expensive materials, such as gold, silver, pewter, crystal, and the like.
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The port 14 and port door 16 operate as a means for accessing the means for lighting 18, which is distal to and substantially laterally, rearwardly displaced from the waterfall slot 24. Port door 16 can be removed from port 14 allowing access to the interior of, or an interior chamber 32 of (partially seen through the transparent port surface), lighted waterfall device 100 to access, replace, remove, or insert the means for lighting 18. Moreover, the port door 16 comprises an exemplary embodiment of an open face/recess 101 configured to be filled with and retain the surrounding medium of an installed waterfall apparatus (tile, grout, mortar, plaster, etc.) to help hide the device 100 and make it more discreet.
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More specifically, the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 preferably is located at a position on the waterfall device 100 proximal to or at a front end of the waterfall device 100 such that the waterfall produced that emanates from the waterfall slot 24 flows over the spreading manifold/area/passage 142. In some embodiments, the floor of the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 can have patterns created or formed therein or thereon, thereby assisting in providing an aesthetically pleasing pattern to an unlit waterfall by disrupting or patterning light traveling through the floor of the spreading manifold/area/passage 142.
Similarly, when the means for lighting 18 is on, the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 can provide additional aesthetic enhancement to a lit waterfall by channeling/infusing the flowing water with turbulence. In this way, the device also can rely on any turbulence created in the water as the water spreads within the spreading manifold/area/passage 142, thereby assisting the light generated from the means for lighting 18 (despite its distal/rearward positioning, opposite the waterfall slot 24) in illuminating the water emanating from the waterfall slot 24.
The spreading manifold/area/passage 142 can serve at least two purposes. First, the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 can allow water flowing from manifold 30 to the waterfall slot 24 to spread evenly across spreading area prior to emanating from waterfall slot 24 so as to produce a more even waterfall. Second, the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 can provide a connection through a spa wall W (not depicted) such that the manifold section 52 portion of the lighted waterfall device 100 can be located on one side (the “dry side”) of the spa wall W and accessible from the outside of the spa, while the waterfall slot 24 can be located on another side (the “wet side”) of the spa wall W and accessible from the inside of the spa.
The means for lighting 18 is contained within a chamber 32 that is distal, opposite, and rearward of the waterfall slot 24, and substantially aligned on the same plane. The chamber 32 can have a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider between the chamber 32 and the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 such that the means for lighting 18 is positioned to shine light parallel to and in the direction of the water flowing towards the waterfall slot 24 in a way that sufficiently and adequately guides the light towards the water emanating from the waterfall slot 24.
As the means for lighting 18 and chamber 32 are distal to and laterally displaced away from the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 and the waterfall slot 24 (mainly on the dry side of the spa; on one side of the spa wall), and as the waterfall apparatus 100 does not primarily rely on solid wave guide materials, instead primarily relying on the flowing water as a fluid wave guide, the waterfall apparatus 100 benefits from being easily manufactured, assembled, machined, and/or customized at the point of installation. More specifically, the waterfall apparatus 100 can be cut on the spot, laterally through the port(s) 14 and the spreading manifold/area/passage 142, to match the contours of any undulating, curved, or rounded spa wall W at the point of installation. As the lateral cut does not affect the fluid wave guide, or any electrical, power, or moving parts, and as the solid material of the ports and the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 do not substantially direct the light, the waterfall apparatus 100 can be cut/formed/shaped/customized to match the spa wall without need of special skills, special materials, special tools, etc.
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In certain exemplary embodiments, the means for lighting 18 can be inserted through a first of the ports 14 (for example, the left side port 14 when looking at the device 100 from the front) and snaked through the chamber 32 and into a second of the ports 14 (for example, the right side port 14 when looking at the device 100 from the front), such as is depicted in
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In
Furthermore, the lighted waterfall device 200 has a representative placement of a second exemplary embodiment of a port 214. A port 214 is situated on both lateral sides of the lighted waterfall device 200, that is, on the left side (214a) and on the right side (214b). Port 214 has a port door 16 as a means for accessing the lighting unit 226. As is disclosed in more detail herein, the port door 16 may be removed from port 214 allowing access to the interior of, or an interior chamber of, the lighted waterfall device 200 to access, replace, remove, or insert the lighting unit 226. Port 214 is located at, on, or proximal to the front of the lighted waterfall device 200 structure, preferably proximal to the waterfall slot 24, so as to allow easier access to the lighting unit 226.
In this exemplary embodiment, the chamber 32 cooperates with the ports 214a, 214b so as to allow access to the chamber 32 from both ends of ports 214a, 214b (see
The lighted waterfall device 200 also has an exemplary embodiment of a power cord length management system 300 comprising an exemplary embodiment of a retractable and extendable power cord 310, a power cord bundle/spool 320, a constriction component 330, a power cord collar 340, and a device/unit connector component 22b. The power cord length management system 300 is configured to electrically power the lighting unit 226 (see
As the connector 22 and the lighting unit 226 are intended to be ultimately positioned and situated/housed within the ports 214 and/or the chamber 32, the connector 22 is convenient in that it allows the lighting unit 226 to be quickly and readily connected to and disconnected from the lighted waterfall device 200 within or partially within one or both of the ports 214. Moreover, the port 214 is convenient in that it is structured and configured to retain and channel the power cord 310 such that the power cord length management system 300 may facilitate extension or retraction of the power cord 310 out of the interior of the port 214. The power cord length management system 300 also helps ensure that the unit connector end 22b of the power cord 310 remains within or proximate to the port 214 and available for engagement with the strip connector 22a.
The lighted waterfall device 200 also has an exemplary embodiment of a pull-through system comprising a guide wire 400 configured to extend through the specialized port 214 and facilitate insertion/repair/replacement of the lighting unit 226 (see
Specifically for this exemplary embodiment, a user may quickly and easily retrieve and extend out of port 214b the power cord 310 via the unit connector component 22b end, with the power cord length management system 300 providing sufficient slack via the power cord bundle 320, the constriction component 330, and the power cord collar 340. The user may then engage or disengage the strip connector component 22a and the unit connector component 22b so as to control the power supply to the lighting unit 226. The user may then engage or disengage the lighting unit 226 to/from the pull-through system 400. If the user is removing a previously installed lighting unit 226, then the user pulls/pulled the lighting unit 226 out of the chamber 32 and the port 214b. If the user is installing a lighting unit 226, then the user pushes/pulls the lighting unit 226 into the port 214b and the chamber 32. The user may facilitate this entire process with the use of the pull-through system.
In
In this particular embodiment, the chamber 32 is separated from the ambient behind the lighted waterfall device 200 by a rear wall 144, is separated from the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 by a front wall 146, and is separated from the interior manifold 30 by a bottom wall 148. Chamber 32 also has a top wall 150. Preferably, at least the front wall 146 is made of a clear, transparent, translucent, or semi-transparent material such that light from the lighting unit 226 can travel through the front wall 146 directly and parallel on to water flowing through the spreading manifold/area/passage 142. The rear wall 144, bottom wall 148, and top wall 150 may be opaque or even reflective (in coating or material) such that light from the lighting unit 226 can be focused and directed parallel to and in the direction of the spreading manifold/area/passage 142 towards the waterfall slot 24.
In
As previously described, the lighted waterfall device 200 provides a structure and means for quickly installing and replacing the lighting unit 226 (best seen in
For example, in an exemplary lighted waterfall device 100 (best seen in
As such, the lighted waterfall device 200 of
The lighted waterfall device 200 has the left port 214a and the right port 214b positioned on the lateral sides of the spreading manifold/area/passage 142. The ports 214a, 214b extend from adjacent to the waterfall slot 24 to adjacent to the chamber 32. The chamber 32 cooperates with the ports 214a, 214b so as to allow access to the chamber 32 from the ports 214a, 214b. Cooperation between the chamber 32 and the ports 214a, 214b is defined by a rounded, curve portion 105 proximal to the junction between the chamber 32 and the ports 214, with the curve portion 105a terminating port 214a and the curve portion 105b terminating port 214b.
Port 214a has a port door 16a, and port 214b has a port door 16b. A portion/component/piece of the lighting unit 226, the power cord 310, and/or the guide wire 400 may be engaged to/retained by the port doors 16a, 16b such that the internal components of the lighted waterfall 200 are easily accessible to a user. As such, even if the port 214 is very long in length, the user will not lose reachability/accessibility of any of these internal components within the depths of port 214.
The power cord length management system 300 is configured to electrically power the lighting unit 226 via, at least, the power cord 310 (the power cord length management system 300 is not fully seen in
As installing or replacing the lighting unit 226 involves removing the port door 16b and retrieving and/or manipulating internal components within the port 214b, such as engaging or disengaging the strip connector component 22a and the unit connector component 22b, for example, the power cord length management system 300 also is configured to facilitate extension and/or retraction of at least a portion of the power cord 310 out of/into the port half 214b. In this way, the length management system 300 helps ensure that the unit connector end 22b, for example, remains within or proximate to the port 214 and available for engagement with the strip connector 22a, or any other component of the lighted waterfall device 200.
More specifically, the port 214 comprises an exemplary embodiment of internal supports 500 that are structured and configured to retain and channel the portion of the retractable and extendable power cord 310 situated within the port 214. A portion of the power cord 310 extends into the port half 214b through the end opposite the port door 16b via an exemplary embodiment of an opening 217. Port 214a and internal supports 500a may be used without any change to this description.
The power cord 310 outside the port half 214b extends through the constriction component 330. The constriction component 330 is configured to be mounted or anchored on the dry side of the waterfall spa to support the power cord 310 as it traverses a wall, for example, to communicate with lighted waterfall device 200. The remainder of the power cord 310, and all slack, beyond the constriction component 330, and on the opposite side as the port half 214b, is managed by the power cord bundle 320 that also may be mounted or anchored on the dry side of the waterfall spa. In this way, due to the slack provided by the power cord bundle 320, the constriction component 330, and the power cord collar 340, the internal supports 500b allow the unit connector component 22b end of the power cord 310 within the port half 214b to extend or retract out of and into the port door 16b, but not beyond the internal supports 500b, towards the opening 217 end.
Furthermore, on the side opposite the internal supports 500b, towards the constriction component 330, at a point outside port 214b, the power cord collar 340 defines the surface of, and is engaged to, the power cord 310. The power cord collar 340 increases the external thickness of the power cord 310 to a measure greater than the aperture defined by the constriction component 330 through which the power cord 310 extends. In this way, because of the difference in thickness of the power cord 310 on one side of the constriction component 330, the constriction component 330 and the power cord collar 340 prevent the power cord 310 from fully retracting out of the constriction component 330 and out of the internal supports 500b and out of port 214b.
Returning to
More specifically, the pull-through system is configured as a guide wire 400 running from port 214a to port 214b. One end of the guide wire 400 is engaged to the port cover 16a of port 214a for easy retrieval and access. The other end of the guide wire 400 extends to port 214b and may be engaged to the port cover 16a for easy retrieval and access. The portion of the guide wire 400 in port 214b is configured to detachably engage to the lighting unit 226 during installation or repair.
For this exemplary embodiment, a user may quickly and easily retrieve and extend out of port 214b the guide wire 400. The user may then quickly and easily attach the guide wire 400 to the lighting unit 226 via the wire eyelet 299 defined on the end opposite the strip connector component 22a (best seen in
In
In this particular embodiment, the lighting unit is configured as an LED strip comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of individual LEDs 258 so as to provide more uniform light across the chamber 32. The LED strip 20 may be selected or cut to be of a desired length, such as the length of the chamber 32. In this manner, different lengths LED strips 20 can be used for different sized lighted waterfall devices 200. Moreover, the strip connector component 22a is convenient in that it allows the LED strip 220 to be connected to and disconnected from the lighted waterfall device 200 for ease of removal and replacement.
Referring now to
In
Like the third exemplary embodiment, the fourth exemplary embodiment of the lighted waterfall device 1000 also has a power cord length management system 300 and a pull-through system comprising a guide wire 400. The power cord length management system 300 comprises a retractable and extendable power cord 310, a power cord bundle/spool 320, a constriction component 330, a power cord collar 340, and a device/unit connector component 122b.
The power cord length management system 300 is configured to facilitate extension and/or retraction of at least a portion of the power cord 310 out of/into another exemplary embodiment of a specialized port 1214. The guide wire 400 is configured to extend through the specialized port 1214, from one exemplary embodiment of a port half 1214a to another exemplary embodiment of a port half 1214b.
Furthermore, the lighted waterfall device 1000 has a third exemplary embodiment of a port 1214 situated on the left lateral side 1214a and on the right lateral side 1214b. The chamber 32 cooperates with the port halves 1214a, 1214b so as to allow access to the chamber 32 from both ends of port halves 1214a, 1214b (see
The port 1214 provides an internal structure and means for quickly installing and replacing the lighting unit 226 (best seen in
In one exemplary embodiment, the lighted waterfall device 1000 has two matching port insertion structures 1500a, 1500b complementary of the lateral port halves 1214a, 1214b, which also are matching in structure and configuration. The port insertion structures 1500a, 1500b are configured to slidably enter the respective and appropriate port halves 1214a, 1214b, and comprise port doors 16a, 16b to engage snuggly therein so as to cap the port halves 1214a, 1214b. The port doors 16a, 16b cap the end of the port halves 1214a, 1214b when the port insertion structures 1500a, 1500b are engaged within their respective port halves. The port doors 16a, 16b may be removed from their corresponding port insertions structures 1500a, 1500b allowing for access to the interior of, or an interior chamber of, port insertions structures 1500a, 1500b should that be necessary.
More specifically, and with referenced to
The port half 1214a has a corresponding port insertion structure 1500a, and port half 1214b has a corresponding port insertion structure 1500b. The port insertion structures 1500a, 1500b may be removed from port 1214 allowing access to the interior of, or an interior chamber of, the port 1214 to access, replace, remove, or insert the lighting unit 226. A portion/component/piece of the lighting unit 226, the power cord 310, and/or the guide wire 400 may be engaged to/retained by the port insertion structures 1500a, 1500b such that the internal components of the lighted waterfall 1000 are easily accessible to a user.
Port insertion structures 1500 can be drawer-like structures that can slide in and out of ports 1214. The proximal, or front, end of port insertion structures 1500 comprise no electrical or mechanical components required for the operation of the waterfall, generally being hollow elongated portions. As such, this portion of port insertion structures 1500 can be cut, formed, or shaped along with the front portion of the device 1000 to conform to the shape of the spa wall W into which the device 1000 is mounted. Port doors 16 can either be shaped to cooperate with the spa wall W surface, or can be made of a flexible material, such as rubber, to conform to the cut, formed, or shaped end of port insertion structures 1500.
The distal, or rear, end of port insertion structures 1500 comprise an area or volume, such as chamber 1505, for retaining and maintaining, for example, at least a portion of unit connector 22b or guide wire 400. For example, the back wall of port insertion structure 1500 may have slots or holes therethrough to allow throughput of power cord 310 or guide wire 400, and retaining portions to prevent unit connector 22b or guide wire 400 from coming loose from chamber 1505 without action by the user 1. In this manner, when the port insertion structures 1500 are removed from or inserted into ports 1214, unit connector 22b, power cord 310, and/or guide wire 400 will be removed from or inserted into ports 1214 as well. Preferably, some area or volume is left open between the back of port insertion structures 1500 and the rear of ports 1214 to allow some of power cord 310 and guide wire 400 to be stored therein (see
In particular, for this exemplary embodiment, one end of the guide wire 400 is engaged to the port insertion structure 1500a for easy retrieval and access. The other end of the guide wire 400 may extend to port 1214b and may be engaged to the port insertion structure 1500b for easy retrieval and access. The portion of the guide wire 400 that may be in the port half 1214b (depending on the stage of repair/installation) is also configured to detachably engage to the lighting unit 226.
As installing or replacing the lighting unit 226, in this exemplary embodiment, involves removing the port insertion structure 1500b and retrieving and/or manipulating internal components detachably engaged to the port insertion structure 1500b, such as engaging or disengaging the strip connector component 22a terminating one end of the lighting unit 226, and the unit connector component 22b, for example, the end of the port insertion structure 1500b opposite the port door end 16b is configured to retain and channel a power cord 310, and/or a portion of a lighting unit 226, within the port half 1214b, as the respective port insertion structure 1500b is inserted or removed from the interior of a respective port half 1214b.
In this way, the port insertion structure 1500 helps ensure that a unit connector end 22b of a power cord 310 remains within or proximate to the port half 1214b and available for engagement with the lighting unit 226b. The port insertion structure 1500b is configured to facilitate this by having a physical structure that can clip in/friction fit-in the unit connector component 22b and/or the strip connector component 22a of the lighting unit 226 into a cradle at the end of the port insertion structure 1500 opposite the port door 16b. Due to the slack provided by the power cord bundle 320, the constriction component 330, and the power cord collar 340, the port insertion structure 1500b allows the connector component 22 within the port half 214b to extend or retract out of/into the port door 16b, via the opening 217 end, as the port insertion structure 1500b is being removed or inserted. This allows the connector component 22 and any cable end that might extend from it, whether for the lighting unit 226 or the power cable 301, to be correctly positioned within the port 1214 without having the cables snagged or intertwined, in an orderly fashions, or without having the cables fold over themselves. Instead, the connector component 22 and any cables are cradled and a configured to slide in and out of the port half 1214b as the lighting unit is positioned properly within the chamber 32.
In
In
In
In
To complete installation or repair, as is described in greater detail herein, the user 1 may quickly and easily retrieve and extend out of port half 1214a the guide wire 400. The opposite end to the guide wire 400 seen in
The foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
This patent application claims the benefit of and priority on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/339063 having a filing date of 31 Oct. 2016, which claims the benefit of and priority on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/663988 having a filing date of 30 Dec. 2012, currently pending.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15339063 | Oct 2016 | US |
| Child | 15884531 | US | |
| Parent | 13663988 | Oct 2012 | US |
| Child | 15339063 | US |
